Michael Bublé was in London, Ont. on Saturday night to pay tribute to his friend and longtime collaborator, David Foster.
Foster, 69, was this year’s recipient of the Humanitarian Award at the Juno Awards.
Bublé, who resumes his tour in Chicago on Sunday night, described Foster as a “brilliant songwriter and producer” who is “a reminder to all of us that we can and should raise our game.”
He said his fellow B.C. native has “inspired me to be a better man and to embrace the importance of giving back.”
Bublé explained: “When it comes to generosity there’s generosity and then there’s David. He has single-handedly given his time, energy and passion to raise millions of dollars for countless charities all over the world.
“He always comes through. Whenever he’s asked to help, the word ‘no’ does not exist in his vocabulary. It’s, ‘Where do you need me and what do you want me to do?’”
Foster’s eponymous foundation provides financial support to Canadian families with children in need of organ transplants.
“I have been given much. I owe plenty to many,” said Foster. "I would like to say thank you to everybody who has ever helped me with my charitable causes.
“I truly am touched and honoured to receive this award.”
The composer and producer also used his moment in the spotlight to gush about Canadian music.
“Anyone who knows me knows that I am the biggest Canadian flag-waver on the planet. The amount of talent that has come from our beautiful country is outstanding,” said Foster. “We are not followers, we are leaders … We are loud and we are proud of our own.”
Bublé also picked up a Juno on Saturday night for Adult Contemporary Album of the Year.
“I feel older than I am but this is beautiful,” the crooner said. “It means a lot, every single time I get to come here and be around all you beautiful souls."